Fiji

Fiji, sometimes called the Fiji Islands, is a country in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands of which approximately 110 are inhabited.

Fiji lies just east of 180 degrees longitude and the international date line, making Fiji time the slowest in the world.

Bula Fiji is the official visitor's bureau site.

Regions

• Viti Levu - the main and largest island
• *Coral Coast
• Vanua Levu - the second largest and more northern island.

• ; Central, Eastern, Northern, Rotuma*, Western

Cities

• Nadi
• Sigatoka
• Suva - Capital

Ports and harbors

• Lambasa
• Lautoka
• Levuka
• Malau
• Savusavu
• Vuda

Other destinations

• Nadi - International Airport (pronounced: Nan-dee).
• Nananu-i-Ra Island - off the northern coast of Viti Levu.

Understand

Fiji is the product of volcanic mountains and warm tropical waters. Its majestic and ever-varied coral reefs today draw tourists from around the world, but were the nightmare of European mariners until well into the 19th century. As a result Fijians have retained their land and often much of the noncommercial, sharing attitude of people who live in vast extended families with direct access to natural resources. When it came, European involvement and cession to Britain was marked by the conversion to Christianity, the cessation of brutal tribal warfare and cannibalism, and the immigration of a large number of indentured Indian laborers, who now represent nearly half of the population. Today, Fiji is a land of tropical rainforests, coconut plantations, fine beaches, fire-cleared hills. For the casual tourist it is blessedly free of evils such as malaria, landmines, or terrorism that attend many similarly lovely places in the world.

Internal political events in the recent past resulted in a reduction in tourism. The Fiji tourism industry has responded by lowering prices and increasing promotion of the main resort areas that are far removed from the politics in and around the capital, Suva.

Climate

Tropical marine; only slight seasonal temperature variation. Tropical cyclonic storms (The South Pacific version of Hurricanes) can occur from November to January.

Terrain

Mostly mountains of volcanic origin

Highest point

Tomanivi 1,324 m

History

Fiji became independent in 1970, after nearly a century as a British colony.

National holiday

Independence Day, second Monday of October (1970)

Democratic rule was interrupted by two military coups in 1987, caused by concern over a government perceived as dominated by the Indian community (descendants of contract laborers brought to the islands by the British in the 19th century).

A 1990 constitution favored native Melanesian control of Fiji, but led to heavy Indian emigration; the population loss resulted in economic difficulties, but ensured that Melanesians became the majority. Amendments enacted in 1997 made the constitution more equitable.

Constitution

promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first time at the national level

Free and peaceful elections in 1999 resulted in a government led by an Indo-Fijian, but a coup in May of 2000, fronted by Melanesian Fijian George Speight, ushered in a prolonged period of political turmoil. Parliamentary elections held in August 2001 provided Fiji with a democratically elected government with Melanesian Fijians in control. Ongoing political fallout hints that the May 2000 coup was merely a side show of an ongoing power struggle within the Melanesian Fijian leadership.

Get in

By plane

Nadi International Airport is Fiji's main international airport. Suva airport also has some international flights. From the USA the only direct flights are LAX to NAN or HNL to NAN.

By boat

Get around

Fiji has a variety of public transport options, including busses, "share taxis", and private taxis. Rates are very cheap: F$1-2 from Colo-i-Suva to Suva bus station by bus, F$17 from Nadi bus station to Suva by share-taxi, or approximately F$80 from Suva airport to Sigatoka by private taxi. On the main road circling Viti Levu busses run every half hour and taxis are a substantial proportion of traffic, while on western Taveuni busses make only a few runs per day and very little traffic is present.

While there is rarely much traffic present, most vehicles run on diesel and pollution on major roadways can be severe. A national speed limit of 80 km/h is usually observed; village speed limits are all but entirely ignored, but drivers slow down for several speed humps distributed within each village. Seat belts are advised on taxis but are rarely evident and apparently never used.

Talk

Languages

English (official), Fijian, Hindustani

English is spoken by most in Nandi and Suva and any other major tourist area. On a few of the less touristy islands, English may be spoken with some difficulty. English is taught in grade school. Fijian or Hindustani is spoken by most adults and children.

Buy

Inflation in Fiji is relatively high - it has increased an estimated 12%pa since the last Lonely Planet guide books were published. Expect to pay prices similar to those of Australia in tourist regions.

Drink

A very popular drink in Fiji is Yaqona (Yang-go-na), also known as "kava" and sometimes referred to as "grog" by locals. Kava is a peppery, earthy tasting drink made from the root of the pepper plant (piper methysticum). Its effects include a numbed tongue and lips (usually lasting only about 5-10 minutes) and relaxed muscles.

Kava drinking in Fiji became popular during the fall of cannibalism, and originated as a way to resolve conflict and facilitate peaceful negotiations between villages.

Sleep

• Beachcomber Island => is a popular backpackers resort catering to travellers who are looking for a place to relax and have a good time. Beachcomber is known as the "party island" due to its popularity with college-age travellers, and exciting entertainment every night, including Beachcomber's own "Bula Dance".
• Beachouse => A very popular hostel on the Coral Coast of Viti Levu, about half way between Nadi and Suva. Set on the beautiful sand of the southern coast, this hostel offers access to Fiji's exciting activities like amazing snorkelling and jungle hikes.

Learn

University of the South Pacific =>, Suva Fiji Institute of Technology =>

Stay safe

Fiji is a relatively safe place. There is very little major crime at all. Most takes place in Suva and Nandi. Fijian culture encourages sharing and sometimes small things like shoes will be "borrowed". Often by speaking with the village chief it can be arranged to get things returned.

Fiji operates a secret political blacklist of journalists and others in the media who may be considered politically undesirable visitors. Those whose employment involves reporting controversial political activities should take extra care to ensure that their visas are in order before visiting Fiji.

Also, be aware that homosexual sex is still a crime in Fiji. While Fiji claims to welcome gay travelers, there has been a recent case where a visitor to the country was jailed for over 2 years for having homosexual sex.

Respect

Fiji, like many Pacific Island states, has a strong Christian moral society; having been colonised and converted to Christianity by Church Missionaries during the 18th century. Do not be surprised if shops and other businesses are closed on Sunday.

Also, dress modestly and appropriately. While Fiji is a tropical country, beach-wear should be confined to the beach. Take your cues from the locals as to what they consider appropriate dress for the occasion. When visiting towns and villages, you should be sure to cover your shoulders and wear shorts or sulus (sarongs) that cover your knees.

Contact

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